Scout was a part of my life for over 13 years. I got her when she was only 8 weeks old....we bonded instantly and completely. Through the years, she brought me much joy and companionship. She was always glad to see me when I walked through the door, yet never let me forget that she was in control! A strong-willed diva, a princess, the undisputed leader of our little pack....and a beloved member of our family. She was more than a pet, she was "my baby".
On July 17th, I took Scout to our vet because she had begun coughing after any physical exertion. Suddenly, just quick trips outside to "go potty" seemed to leave her winded. He diagnosed her with congestive heart failure and started her on several medicines. Over the next few days, we made multiple visits back to the vet....the meds were tweaked, but she continued to deteriorate. By the evening of the 25th, she began to struggle to breathe. She wouldn't eat or drink. All I could do was hold her and pray that she would drift off to sleep and find comfort. But, morning light found her worse and we made that final trip to the vet's office. She was suffering so that it seemed her eyes pleaded with me to put an end to it and make it stop....
Although it was one of the hardest and most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, I realized that the kindest and most loving thing I could do for my precious pet was to help her ease over to a restful place. I stayed with her there until that final breath, wanting her to know how loved she was....
My heart still has a hole the size of Texas in it. Not a day goes by that I don't think I hear her tags jingling as she makes her way down the hall to me. I miss her cuddling up on the sofa with me in the evenings and laying at my feet as I sit here at the desk and type.....
But, I have lots of wonderful memories....and photos to help me remember. Sometimes, when I think back on some of her antics and stunts, I find myself laughing out loud.
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| Wrestling with her "bubbas" - she sure did love those boys! |
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| She always loved finding a sunny spot |
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| Snuggling with her paw sister, Pepper; they were inseparable! |
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| Trying to entice Eddie Dale to play with her toys....didn't work! |
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| Watching for her tots to come at Sonic...one of her favorite outings |
With my whole heart, I know that little pup is parked somewhere in an easy chair in heaven, just waiting for me. And, although I miss her terribly, I am so very thankful that I had the honor and joy of being her "mommy" for so many years!
She was a precious pup, and I know you must miss her terribly. I'm sure you are right about the easy chair in heaven. I hope Pepper is adjusting well.
ReplyDeleteI miss her too..
ReplyDeleteShe was one of a kind
My heart goes out to you for Scout. I know how hard it is to let go of someone you're closely bonded to. I can feel your pain in your decision to let her go. Sometimes although we know that it is painful, it's the right thing to do to end the pain in her eyes, which I know would haunt us, if we didn't let them go.
ReplyDeleteCharis Amen